CanoeSki Discovery Company

Discover the Trails of 1885 by Canoe - South Saskatchewan River

Starting at

$ 415 cdn

Available from 27-Jun-2015 to 30-Aug-20152 Day / 1 Night package

Take an historical canoeing adventure on the South Saskatchewan River back to the turbulent 1885 era. Visit the national historic sites of the Northwest Resistance where battles raged between Louis Riel's followers and the Canadian militia. From the river, hike the trail to the battle campsite near Fish Creek/Tourond's Coulee. Camp overnight at a wilderness site on the riverbank at Petite Ville, the archaeological site of an ancient Métis wintering village. Enjoy the wildlife and valley scenery as you continue canoeing downstream to the former Métis village of Batoche. At the Carlton Trail crossing, finish paddling and hike the old trail to Batoche National Historic Site. At the interpretive centre, view the Parks Canada multimedia show and visit the site of Louis Riel's short-lived provisional government with its original church, rectory and cemetery. Finish the trip with a renewed connection to places and events that have greatly influenced Saskatchewan and Canadian history.

Starting at the Town of Hague river ferry, about a half-hour drive north of Saskatoon, this historical canoeing trip explores a portion of the South Saskatchewan River at the heart of the 1885 Northwest Resistance. At the first stop, several kilometres upstream of the ghost town of Fish Creek, we hike to the battle campsite at Tourond's Coulee where General Middleton's army was halted in an ambush by Louis Riel's followers, fighting under Gabriel Dumont's command. An 1870's-era Métis hunting settlement on the riverbank called Petite Ville, serves as our overnight campsite. The trip continues downstream on the path taken by the steamer Northcote in a failed "rear guard" assault on Riel's forces at the Métis village of Batoche. Paddling ends where the historic Carlton Trail crosses the river, providing a path to hike to the Parks Canada National Historic Site. Here park interpreters give guided tours outlining the events and personalities that figured prominently in the 1885 conflict.

In addition to the many historical attractions, our canoeing route has plenty of natural appeal. The valley scenery is striking with steeply wooded banks and deep coulees. Wildlife is abundant, especially larger birds such as American Pelicans and Great Blue Herons. Also, Bald Eagles are occasionally observed in the river valley.